StarCrossed Hearts  by Anne Carter

 

It was near one in the morning when Jessica parked the Miata on the circle drive behind Dane's Porsche. It looked strangely out of place, but she ignored the feeling and walked decisively up the steps to the massive entry.

Expecting Peter, she was surprised when Dane met her at the door and showed her past the living room to a large, comfortable den. A wide-screen television was centrally located across from the sectional where she sat down, and bookcases lined the walls filled not only with books, but awards, gold statuettes and trophies as well.

The room was normally lit by hanging billiard-style lights, but these were now off and soft table lamps cast a dim glow. She waited while he paced the floor, a drink in his hand, obviously at a loss for words. Soon, he sat down on the coffee table in front of her. In his white, oversized cotton shirt and tight black trousers, he was once again the dread pirate Simon.

"I can't really talk about it," he began, a frustrated sigh escaping his lungs. "I get too pissed off. Basically, we go to court for a preliminary hearing next month."

"Of course," she murmured.

"I owe you a drink or... several, actually," he offered, smiling sheepishly. "What are you drinking?"

"Nothing, thank you. I had enough at the party." She adjusted her dress nervously. "Dane, I'm really sorry about running away tonight. I was mad at you, I guess. I feel awful about what's happening to you, and I had been thinking that maybe I could... help somehow." This was awkward, but she felt she had to explain her behavior.

"You're sweet."

"Don't pass it around. Teddy says being 'sweet' could ruin my career."

"You can be sweet and still be...erotic." The green eyes were coaxing, challenging; then they looked away. He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Look, Jessica... if you and I are going to have... a relationship, there's something you should know. I'm not - at least anymore, I've discovered - a good risk. I'm not a particularly reliable person. I can't seem to make or keep promises anymore." Briefly he checked her reaction before continuing. "I'm my own person, Jessie. I've hurt too many people, including myself, so all bets are off on what I'll do next. Major disclaimer, take it or leave it."

His eyes were back with hers, delving, seeking her compliance. "You understand what I'm saying, right? I could really, really piss you off."

Jessica's eyes were wide with open amazement. No man had ever spoken this frankly to her before. No presumptions, no surprises. And no commitments. But he was offering her something. Something she wanted.

She nodded in silent understanding. She didn't care about getting hurt, or unkept promises, and even if she did, right now she would have gladly forsaken all for even one kiss.

         Dane sighed. Uncomfortable on the coffee table, he moved to sit next to Jessica on the sectional. He ran his fingers through his hair, something, she noticed, he did unconsciously when he was feeling stressed.

"This divorce is killing me. I keep asking myself, is what I've done so wrong?" He leaned forward, looking down at the floor. He was such a picture of despair that Jessica could not help but delicately place her hand on his shoulder in a sympathetic gesture.

Dane turned slightly and stared at her for a long moment. A sublime moment, thought Jessica. There was an overwhelming, heated madness spreading throughout her, born of her simple contact with his body. Dane exuded a maleness like no man she'd encountered, filling her at once with both desire and trepidation. Jessica sat captured by his gaze, the emerald eyes stripping away layer after layer of her carefully built defenses...seeking her vulnerabilities, her sensitivities.

Slowly he turned and took both of her hands in his, pulling them around his neck, then slid his hands down her arms and around her in one smooth movement. She barely had time to moisten her lips before his were on her, exploring her cheek, her ear, her neck, her mouth... but slow. Slow, and hot, and sensual.

Any shyness she had anticipated on her own part evaporated and she returned each kiss with fervor. Abruptly, he stopped and again stared into her face.

       

         "You really want this, right?"